In a move aimed at widening access to government employment and levelling the playing field for aspirants from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Punjab government has launched Mission Pragati, a dedicated initiative to provide free coaching and training for competitive examinations. The programme is designed to support rural and meritorious youth who often lack the financial resources to afford expensive private coaching institutes.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann formally outlined the initiative while interacting with students at the district library on January 11, underscoring the state government’s commitment to inclusive education and youth empowerment.
Addressing the Coaching Gap in Punjab
Competitive examinations for government services—such as those conducted by the Services Selection Board, Punjab Police, and armed forces—often require structured preparation, access to quality study material, and physical training. For many students, especially from rural areas, the high cost of private coaching becomes a major barrier.
Mission Pragati seeks to address this gap by offering completely free academic coaching, ensuring that talent and hard work, rather than financial capacity, determine success. According to the Chief Minister, the initiative is rooted in the principle that no capable student should be left behind due to economic constraints.
The first batch of the programme has already begun classes at the district library, with 40 students enrolled. Officials indicated that the number of beneficiaries will be expanded in subsequent phases based on demand and outcomes.
Integrated Academic and Physical Training
One of the distinguishing features of Mission Pragati of Punjab is its holistic approach to exam preparation. In addition to classroom-based academic instruction, the programme includes physical training sessions, particularly relevant for aspirants preparing for police and armed forces recruitment.
Experienced trainers from the Punjab Police are conducting these sessions, helping students meet the physical fitness standards required for selection. This integrated model ensures that candidates are not only academically prepared but also physically and mentally ready for the demands of competitive recruitment processes.
Free Study Materials and Library Access at Punjab
To further reduce financial burdens, students enrolled under Mission Pragati receive free access to books, reference materials, and study resources through district library memberships. This allows aspirants to prepare in a structured environment with reliable materials, eliminating dependence on costly guidebooks and coaching notes.
Officials noted that leveraging existing public infrastructure—such as libraries and training facilities—has helped keep the programme cost-effective and scalable, making it sustainable in the long run.
‘Youth Helping Youth’ Mentorship Model by Punjab
Mission Pragati adopts a unique “youth helping youth” approach to mentorship. Instead of relying solely on external faculty, the programme engages mentors who have themselves appeared in competitive examinations. Many of these mentors are former aspirants who understand the challenges, pressures, and strategies required to succeed.
This peer-driven mentorship model not only makes guidance more relatable but also creates a supportive learning environment where students can openly discuss doubts, failures, and preparation strategies.
Broad-Based Support and Collaboration
The initiative has received strong backing from educationists, universities, police officials, athletes, and student groups, reflecting widespread recognition of the need for accessible coaching solutions. Stakeholders believe that Mission Pragati can help democratise access to government jobs and improve representation from rural and economically weaker sections.
Officials also highlighted that such programmes can reduce the migration of students to urban centres for coaching, allowing them to prepare within their own districts.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Reiterating the state government’s broader vision, Chief Minister Mann stated that Punjab’s education reforms are not limited to exam preparation alone. The focus, he said, is on transforming job seekers into job providers, encouraging entrepreneurship, skill development, and self-reliance among the youth.
Mission Pragati fits into this larger framework by building confidence, discipline, and competence—qualities essential not only for government services but also for leadership roles in society.
Looking Ahead
While Mission Pragati is still in its early stages, its emphasis on equity, accessibility, and holistic preparation positions it as a promising model for other states. By combining free coaching, physical training, mentorship, and resource access, the programme aims to create equal opportunities for aspirants regardless of their socio-economic background.
As more batches are rolled out and participation expands, Mission Pragati could play a significant role in increasing the presence of Punjab’s youth in government services—turning aspiration into achievement and policy intent into real-world impact.
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https://thenewstudent.com/iim-nagpur-digital-strategy-marketing-analytics/